A Naval Academy graduate has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly tearing down a pride flag outside of a tattoo shop in Annapolis, Maryland. The co-owner of the shop reported the vandalism to police after security footage captured the incident. A man was identified with the help of social media and was later identified as 44-year-old Benjamin Michael, a Marine Corps veteran. He was charged with malicious destruction of property and a hate crime.
Michael’s attorney stated that he did not intend to destroy the flag and does not harbor hatred towards any protected class or sexual orientation. The attorney claimed the video did not prove that Michael had hatred towards any group.
The incident has sparked outrage and discussion about LGBTQ+ rights and hate crimes. The tattoo shop had the phrase “ABIDE NO HATRED” on the pride flag and the community has rallied in support of the shop and the LGBTQ+ community. The case will likely continue to be a focal point of conversation in Annapolis and beyond.
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